Classroom Management Strategies For Teaching Youngsters
How do we manage the class when teaching youngsters aged from 4 to 12? This is different from teaching adults since students in this age range have a shorter concentration span and higher affective filter. Here are the techniques we may use in the classroom.
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Yan L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Teacher’s role in the classroom:
Be patient towards all the students, not just the nice ones; Not comparing students with each other. Every child learns differently and comes from different backgrounds. Be willing to be wrong in front of the students. Not showing favoritism between the students. Be aware of how body language is presented to their students. Forgiving and looking for opportunities to give their students chances to succeed. Be animated (using proper facial expressions and gestures ) in the classroom.
Also Read: Tips for Getting Involved in the EFL Community Abroad
Five ways on how to build rapport with students
1. Physical touch
Children need appropriate physical touch at certain times to feel a connection with the teacher. This is recommended all the time from the beginning, middle to ending cycle of a unit. It does not have to be huge movements like a big hug ( some students are pretty shy at the beginning ), you can give students a high five every time they make progress.
2. Words of affirmation
Some students feel valued when the teacher makes mention of the actions they are doing. This is not flattery or empty praise, it is recognizing the correct action done by the students and giving voice to it. This needs to be genuine praise.
3. Quality time
Spending time to connect with your students can be the best way to help your more problematic students. All students need to feel accepted by the teacher otherwise they will not perform in the classroom.
4. Giving gifts
Giving gifts can be very powerful and visual motivation for students ( class size ewer than 12 is preferred). This helps them receive something tangible as well as track their progress in the classroom. Gifts should not be given to those who disobey, this needs to reinforce positive behavior. Gifts include handing out stickers to children, using stamps on children’s books, or having a sticker chart for children to track their progress.
5. Arts of service
Youngsters are not capable of doing everything adults or older learners can. Helping students with care and attention shows affection that they can connect with. This includes the following: smiling while helping with their jackets, shoes; using proper voice ( volume/ speed/ pitch).
Also Read: The 8 Best Classroom Tools Every Teacher Should Use
Proper discipline in the classroom
Discipline does not mean you have to correct them whenever they make mistakes behaviorally. It should be done in a way that is void of your emotion, shows encouragement, but expects growth from your students.
Here are some discipline techniques:
- Do not discipline out of anger.
- Discipling should be done without yelling or finger-pointing. Be mindful of your voice.
- Be on the same eye level as the children. Making sure they know they did something wrong is one point, the more important part is to help them know why and how to correct it.
- Discipline is done timely and consistent for each child. It is worthless spending 40 minutes on disciplining one child who may be out of mind 35 minutes ago.
- Students need a consequence for their actions. Otherwise, there is a disconnect between their actions.
- The same actions will result in the same outcome whenever it is done by the strongest or the weakest students in the class. It shows justice and explains the punishment.
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